A bikeway or system of bikeways that have been designated with directional and informational route markers to provide guidance, connectivity and continuity.

Bicycle Lane

Bike lanes designate an exclusive space for bicyclists through the use of pavement markings and signage. The bike lane is located adjacent to motor vehicle travel lanes and flows in the same direction as motor vehicle traffic. Bike lanes are typically on the right side of the street. Benefits include providing obvious space on the road for cyclists and sending a message to other road users to expect cyclists.

Buffered Bike Lane

Buffered bike lanes are conventional bicycle lanes with a designated buffer space separating the bicycle lane from the parking lane. Benefits include reduced risk of "dooring" and greater space for cyclists to maneuver. Potential disadvantage is that motorists and delivery vehicles are more likely to illegally park in the lane.

Raised Separated Bike Lane

Raised separated bike lanes are bicycle facilities that are vertically separated from motor vehicle traffic. Many are paired with a furnishing zone between the separated bike lane and motor vehicle travel lane and/or pedestrian area. Benefits include that motorists are kept from easily entering and it is more attractive to a wider range of bicyclists at all levels and ages than less separated facilities.

Separated Bike Lane

Separated bike lanes are at street level and use a variety of methods for physical protection from passing traffic. A separated bike lane may use a parking lane or other barrier between the bike lane and the motor vehicle travel lane. Benefits include a reduced risk of "dooring," preventing double-parking, reducing risks from motorists entering/existing parking spaces, and more comfortable for bicyclists of all levels and ages.

Shared-Lane Marking

Shared Lane Markings (SLMs), or "sharrows,"" are road markings used to indicate a shared lane environment for bicycles and automobiles. Among other benefits, SLMs reinforce the legitimacy of bicycle traffic on the street, recommend proper bicyclist positioning, and may be configured to offer directional and wayfinding guidance.

Shared Use Path

A shared-use path is defined as a trail permitting more than one type of user. Paths serve as part of a transportation circulation system and support multiple recreation opportunities, such as walking, bicycling, and inline skating. A shared-use path is physically separated from motor vehicular traffic with an open space or barrier.

Two-Way Sep. Bike Lane

Two-way separated bike lanes are physically separated from motor vehicle traffic and allow bicycle movement in both directions on one side of the road. They may be suitable in locations with width contraints and with limited conflict areas with driveways. This facility dedicates and protects space for bicyclists by improving perceived comfort and safety. A two-way facility usually requires less space than two one-way facilities, and can make maintenance easier.

WHO WE ARE

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) Division of Transportation Engineering (DTE) has the responsibility to plan and construct bikeways. The MCDOT is responsible for maintenance of bikepaths on State roads as well. All bikeways constructed by MCDOT comply with Federal Law under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

In an effort to encourage more users to chose bicycling as a safe and desirable travel choice, MCDOT is constructing separated and protected bike lanes, adding sharrows in travel lanes and more directional bike route signs to make it easier for people of all ages and abilities to ride a bike.

The County offers 90.1 miles of bike lanes, bike-friendly shoulders, and separated bike lanes (cycle tracks) countywide (including municipalities) which break down as:

46.1 miles of properly marked bike lanes

44.0 miles of bike-friendly shoulders

0.3 miles of separated bike lanes

The County also offers 50.0 miles of signed shared roadway and 18.8 miles of sharrows for on-road cycling, as well as more than 250 miles of paved paths. MCDOT will be releasing a new online interactive map showing all of the bikeways in early 2016.

The Montgomery County Bicycle Action Group (MCBAG) was created by the MCDOT in 1996 in order to gain input from citizens interested in recreational and on-road cycling issues. MCBAG is a group of citizens interested in recreational and on-road bicycling issues who gives advice to the Department on current issues, programs and projects relating to cycling in Montgomery County.

The MCBAG meets monthly to discuss and recommend positions on various issues on bicycling on a regional and local basis. MCBAG has approximately 100 members who are contacted by an e-mail mailing list. Anyone is welcome to attend. Please refer to the
MCDOT calendar for meeting dates.

Under Maryland law, bicycles are considered vehicles and have all the rights and responsibilities that apply to drivers of motorized vehicles. Specific information about bicycle rules and use can be found
here.

The County offers 90.1 miles of bike lanes, bike-friendly shoulders, and separated bike lanes countywide (including municipalities) which breaks down as:

46.1 miles of properly marked bike lanes

44.0 miles of bike-friendly shoulders

0.3 miles of separated bike lanes

The County also offers 50.0 miles of signed shared roadway and 18.8 miles of sharrows for on-road cycling, as well as more than 250 miles of paved paths. MCDOT will be releasing a new online interactive map showing all of the bikeways this Fall.

Please read the Bicycle Rack Installation form and the general facts about Bicycle Racks form by clicking on the images below. Once you have read those and believe that the area you would like a rack in is qualified, fill out the Bicycle Request Form.

Bike trails within Montgomery County Parks are the responsibility of the
Maryland National Capital Park And Planning Commisssion. Their Department of Parks maintains about 45 miles of paths and trails. The M-NCPPC is also responsible for Master Plan recommendations as well as the Countywide Bikeways Functional Master Plan. The MCDOT Bikeway Program provides the linkage between Parks, Parks Trails and major State road trails and for the implementation of bicycle facilities (paths, bike lanes and shared lanes on roads).

We have two shared use paths within the category of a former railroad converted into a trail corridor: the (North) Bethesda Trolley Trail (from Bethesda to Rockville) and the Georgetown Branch Interim Trail (future Capital Crescent Trail) from Bethesda to Silver Spring. The Georgetown Branch Interim Trail is a crushed stone trail in the corridor under study by the MTA for the Purple Line Transitway. The permanent trail is planned to be constructed alongside the transitway once design and construction are funded.

The Bikeway Program also sponsors the
Montgomery County Bicycle Action Group (MCBAG), which is a citizen’s bicycle advisory group sponsored by the MCDOT comprised of representatives of the cycling community and citizens who meet monthly to discuss issues of interest pertaining to cycling in Montgomery County. Anyone can join.

In addition, the program develops innovative bicycle-friendly features for the County including bike racks on County buses, bike lockers/rack programs, borrow a bike programs, and alternative mode endorsement. In an effort to address global warming, the bike program endorses the provision of transportation choices to reduce air pollution caused by automobile trips. We encourage your ideas and your participation towards this goal.

For any MCDOT service requests, call 311. Outside the county, call 240-777-0311 or submit
via the website.
For website issues, broken links or comments, please
email us(does not handle service requests).

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